Arabic Language Learning Assessment in Schools and Higher Education: A Scoping Review of Instruments, Skills, Digital Practices, and Evidence Gaps (2021–2026)
Keywords:
Arabic language assessment, language proficiency, digital assessment, scoping reviewAbstract
This article maps recent research on assessing Arabic as an additional language in schools and higher education. Using a Population–Concept–Context framework informed by PRISMA-ScR, a targeted bibliographic discovery process identified 40 candidate primary studies published in 2021–2026. These records address language-skill testing, writing rubrics, item analyses, formative feedback, proficiency descriptors, and digital assessment tools. Preliminary evidence suggests that expert approval and platform usability are frequently reported separately from score reliability, construct representation, and fairness. Psychometric studies using factor analysis, item response theory, and differential item functioning offer complementary evidence but do not establish universal validity across contexts. Because database-level searching, independent screening, and full-text adjudication have not been completed, the 40 records must not be described as a final included-study corpus. The article identifies methodological priorities for transparent, fair, and skill-sensitive Arabic assessment research.
References
Ahmad, H., & Auliya, A. N. (2024). Analisis soal tes kompetensi kebahasaan pada penilaian tengah semester bahasa Arab sekolah menengah pertama. Al Mi'yar: Jurnal Ilmiah Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab dan Kebahasaaraban, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.35931/am.v7i1.3157
Ahmad, F. S., Yasin, A., Sofian, A. A., Khalifah, N. F., & Rahmawati, N. (2024). Curriculum enhancement and language assessment in pesantren: Examining Arabic oral and written tests at Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor Putri Campus 1. AFKARINA: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 9(1), 71–82. https://doi.org/10.33650/afkarina.v9i1.15528
Al Munawaroh, N. T. (2021). The use of Quizizz online software in the evaluation of Arabic learning. ALSUNIYAT: Jurnal Penelitian Bahasa, Sastra, dan Budaya Arab, 4(1), 29–46. https://doi.org/10.17509/alsuniyat.v4i1.31258
Alauddin, I., Nurdin, N. I., Aqilah, N., & Baihaqi, M. (2026). A qualitative assessment of students' Arabic writing skills (Kitabah) at SMA Bina Taruna Surabaya. Tsaqofiya: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Arab, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.21154/tsaqofiya.v8i1.1067
Alhazmi, M. Z. (2025). Applied study of the processability theory of Arabic learners in the Islamic University of Madinah. Ijaz Arabi: Journal of Arabic Learning, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v8i1.29356
Amelia, F., Bahrun, M. F., & Qomari, N. (2024). Implementation of criterion-referenced assessment in Arabic language education Muslim Cendekia Malang Elementary School. Abjadia: International Journal of Education, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.18860/abj.v9i2.28047
Anawiyah, A., & Qomariyah, L. (2026). Design and validation of a JotForm-based Arabic language assessment model to enhance higher-order thinking skills in Islamic senior high schools. Arabiyatuna: Jurnal Bahasa Arab, 10(1), 361–386. https://doi.org/10.29240/jba.v10i1.16070
Arifa, F., Kamal, M., Tajuddin, S., Bahtiar, I. R., Masyitoh, S., & Yani, A. (2025). Development of a web-based Arabic competency test for Indonesian speakers as a reference for measuring Arabic proficiency levels of undergraduate and graduate students in Arabic language education at Universitas Negeri Jakarta. Arabiyatuna: Jurnal Bahasa Arab, 9(2), 651–666. https://doi.org/10.29240/jba.v9i2.13241
Arksey, H., & O'Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364557032000119616
Azmy, M. U., Baroroh, R. U., Novian, Z., & Salsabila, S. (2025). Innovations in affective assessment in Arabic language books for grade VII based on communicative approach. Arabiyatuna: Jurnal Bahasa Arab, 9(2), 709–724. https://doi.org/10.29240/jba.v9i2.13740
Bakti, A. A., Marzuki, M., Ibrahim, Z. S., Tuanaya, R., & binti Yacob, N. Y. (2025). Differential item functioning analysis of Arabic language exams across gender, study specialization, and geographic region in senior high schools. REID (Research and Evaluation in Education), 11(1), 59–74. https://doi.org/10.21831/reid.v11i1.85961
Boeriswati, E., Mayuni, I., Fahmi, A. K., & Surong, K. (2023). The development of assessment rubric of Arabic language writing based on National Qualifications Framework of Indonesia. Jurnal Al Bayan: Jurnal Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, 15(1), 261–277. https://doi.org/10.24042/albayan.v15i1.16302
Chalista, A., Kesuma, G. C., Amrulloh, M. A., Zuliana, E., & Wahidah, Y. L. (2024). Developing Arabic language learning assessment tools using the Competition application in secondary school. ALSUNIYAT: Jurnal Penelitian Bahasa, Sastra, dan Budaya Arab, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.17509/alsuniyat.v7i2.69424
Imaduddin, M. F., Maulani, H., & Taufik, I. H. (2022). Test the validity and reliability of Arabic learning questions. Arabi: Journal of Arabic Studies, 7(2), 198–207. https://doi.org/10.24865/ajas.v7i2.523
Imawan, Y. (2023). Inovasi bentuk penilaian tes kompetensi reseptif berbahasa Arab dalam buku Al-'Arabiyyah Lin Nasyi'iin Jilid 1. Tsaqofiya: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Arab, 5(1), 19–36. https://doi.org/10.21154/tsaqofiya.v5i1.177
Jamhuri, W., & Kasih, B. W. N. (2025). Development Quizizz application as instrument evaluation in Arabic language learning at Madrasah Aliyah. IJ-ATL: International Journal of Arabic Teaching and Learning, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.33650/ijatl.v8i2.9696
Kadir, S. D., Sarif, S., & Fuadi, A. H. N. (2024). Item analysis of Arabic thematic questions to determine thinking level ability. ELOQUENCE: Journal of Foreign Language, 3(1), 28–41. https://doi.org/10.58194/eloquence.v3i1.1498
Levac, D., Colquhoun, H., & O'Brien, K. K. (2010). Scoping studies: Advancing the methodology. Implementation Science, 5, 69. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-5-69
Ma'arif, A. S., & Bakhiet, B. M. (2026). Implementing digital assessment in Arabic language learning: A case study of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Funun Arabiyyah: Journal of Arabic Education and Literature, 2(2), 147–175. https://doi.org/10.64131/fununarabiyyah.v2i2.146
Maftuhati, Musyafa'ah, N., & Maulidya, S. (2021). Tahlilu jaudati bunudi al-ikhtiyarat al-muta'addidah li-ta'lim 'anashiri al-lughah al-'arabiyyah. Alibbaa': Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.19105/ajpba.v2i1.4119
Makfiro, N., Hermiwati, H., Sumiati, S., & Muzadi, N. H. (2024). Evaluation of portfolio assessment of student work in Arabic language learning. Tanwir Arabiyyah: Arabic as Foreign Language Journal, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.31869/afl.v4i2.6008
Maulani, H., Muthmainah, N., Khalid, S. M., Saleh, N., & Taufik, I. H. (2024). Investigation of the reference level description for Arabic proficiency tests in Indonesia. Jurnal Al Bayan: Jurnal Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, 16(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.24042/albayan.v16i1.21566
Messick, S. (1995). Validity of psychological assessment: Validation of inferences from persons' responses and performances as scientific inquiry into score meaning. American Psychologist, 50(9), 741–749. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.50.9.741
Mufti, A., Maksudin, M., Baroroh, R. U., & Setiyawan, A. (2022). Socrative, Quizizz, and Google Form as online-based evaluation tools for Maharah Al-Qira'ah learning. Maharaat: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, 4(2), 120–136. https://doi.org/10.18196/mht.v4i2.14229
Munawarah, K., & Baroroh, R. U. (2023). Innovation of assessment techniques on Maharah Qiraah in Arabic textbooks based on higher order thinking skills (HOTS). Jurnal Basicedu, 7(4), 2143–2150. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v7i4.5515
Munn, Z., Peters, M. D. J., Stern, C., Tufanaru, C., McArthur, A., & Aromataris, E. (2018). Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 18, 143. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-018-0611-x
Muslimah, M., Sulalah, I. A., Rohmawati, R., Sofi, N., & Zunairoh, Y. (2025). Best practice of summative assessment for Arabic writing proficiency: Evidence from Pondok Pesantren Modern Ar-Rahmah Kediri, Indonesia. Asalibuna, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.30762/asalibuna.v8i02.5221
Nugraha, D., Komara, W. R., Odang, O., Ruhendi, A., & Maryani, N. (2025). Improving the quality of Arabic language learning assessment using the paper-based Quizizz mode. Maharaat: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.18196/mht.v8i1.33384
Nur, A. M., Mudrofin, M., & Bukhori, N. F. (2023). Tatwir adawat al-taqwim al-takwini al-qa'imah ala Kahoot li-tarqiyat itqan al-mufradat fi ta'lim al-lughah al-arabiyyah bil-madrasah al-mihaniyyah. Alsina: Journal of Arabic Studies, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.21580/alsina.5.2.22933
Nuraini, A., Jundi, M., Hasibuan, R., & Djola, F. (2024). Student progress tracing of Arabic learning: A qualitative investigation of speaking skills formative evaluation in Islamic elementary school. Al-Ihda': Media Ilmiah Bahasa Arab, 12(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.58645/alihda.v12i1.520
Nurlaila, N., Aisyah, D., Al Husna, L., Anisa, A., Kamaluddin, K., Widayanti, R., & Asfar, H. (2025). Developing a web-based interactive Arabic assessment to stimulate students' interest in learning. Ijaz Arabi: Journal of Arabic Learning, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v8i3.29016
Pangestika, E., Baroroh, R. U., & Maknuna, S. L. (2024). Innovation discrete approach based on Arabic language test assessment. Arabiyatuna: Jurnal Bahasa Arab, 8(1), 395–410. https://doi.org/10.29240/jba.v8i1.8992
Peters, M. D. J., Godfrey, C., McInerney, P., Munn, Z., Tricco, A. C., & Khalil, H. (2024). Scoping reviews. JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. https://doi.org/10.46658/JBIMES-24-09
Pujiartha, L. A., Ritonga, A. W., Desrani, A., & Supriatna, A. (2025). Developing an instrument to assess writing skills in Arabic as a second language: A confirmatory factor analysis approach. Al-Ta'lim Journal, 32(2). https://doi.org/10.15548/jt.v32i2.937
Rahmawati, A. E., Zulhannan, Hijriyyah, U., Erlina, & Koderi (2023). Development of the Quizizz application-based evaluation tool for learning Arabic for MTs. Mantiqu Tayr: Journal of Arabic Language, 3(2), 135–150. https://doi.org/10.25217/mantiqutayr.v3i2.3484
Ridlo, U. (2022). Multiple intelligences in evaluation of Arabic learning at Islamic boarding school. Arabiyatuna: Jurnal Bahasa Arab, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.29240/jba.v6i1.3798
Rizki, R. B., Rizal, M. F., & Rahmawati, C. (2024). Design of integrating Qalam AI and language teacher competencies in evaluating Arabic reading skill. Tanwir Arabiyyah: Arabic as Foreign Language Journal, 4(2), 257–266. https://doi.org/10.31869/aflj.v4i2.5930
Robbani, A. S., Mirma, A. F., Munadi, Y., Safa, B. S. S., & Badar, S. (2025). The washback effects of Arabic language final examination using the GeSchool application. Jurnal Al Bayan: Jurnal Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.24042/albayan.v17i1.25932
Sani, N., Rahayu, D., JH, V. A., Irhamudin, I., & Rahman, Z. (2026). Innovating assessment for grade VII Arabic curriculum: A design–development study of Ministry textbooks. Lingua: Jurnal Keilmuan dan Kependidikan Bahasa Arab, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.32678/lingua.v12i1.12647
Siregar, A. F., Muhajir, Bayzura, S., Salsabila, K., Himam, A. S., & Alfiroh, N. (2025). Assessment instrument development for Maharah Qira'ah: A case study on Qira'ah Rasyidah book volume 5. Jurnal Al Bayan: Jurnal Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, 17(1), 238–254. https://doi.org/10.24042/3ntsqb89
Subando, J., Astoko, D. B., Amin, L. H., Budiharjo, & Embong, R. (2025). A multidimensional item response theory approach in the item analysis of Arabic language tests in madrasah aliyah. Jurnal Penelitian dan Evaluasi Pendidikan, 29(2), 271–284. https://doi.org/10.21831/pep.v29i2.90877
Syihabuddin, Abdurrahman, M., Akmalia, F., & Abdussalam, A. (2021). Wikalah iBT: How is an internet-based Arabic language proficiency test instrument developed?. Ijaz Arabi: Journal of Arabic Learning, 4(3), 535–547. https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v4i3.12198
Tanjung, M. A. H. R., Fahmi, A. A., Rahmanita, F., Habibah, I. F., & Qomari, N. (2024). Analisis butir soal penilaian akhir tahun pelajaran Bahasa Arab kelas VII MTs Al-Ma'arif Rakit Banjarnegara Jawa Tengah. Mantiqu Tayr: Journal of Arabic Language, 4(1), 347–367. https://doi.org/10.25217/mantiqutayr.v4i1.4038
Tricco, A. C., Lillie, E., Zarin, W., O'Brien, K. K., Colquhoun, H., Levac, D., Moher, D., Peters, M. D. J., Horsley, T., Weeks, L., Hempel, S., Akl, E. A., Chang, C., McGowan, J., Stewart, L., Hartling, L., Aldcroft, A., Wilson, M. G., Garritty, C., ... Straus, S. E. (2018). PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and explanation. Annals of Internal Medicine, 169(7), 467–473. https://doi.org/10.7326/M18-0850
Yasin, A., & Tarauni, H. (2023). Tashmim al-Ikhtibar li Maharah al-Kalam al-Arabi Wafqhan li al-Ithar al-Marja'i al-Urubi al-Musytarak li al-Lughat li al-Thullab al-Jami'ah fi Indunisiya. Arabiyatuna: Jurnal Bahasa Arab, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.29240/jba.v7i1.6390
Yul, W., Andrian, R., Musthofa, A., & Rozianie, J. F. (2022). Assessing Arabic speaking skills: A critical study for implementation of final examination in Indonesia. Izdihar: Journal of Arabic Language Teaching, Linguistics, and Literature, 5(2), 151–166. https://doi.org/10.22219/jiz.v5i2.22294
